WHAT IS A "SYSTEMS APPROACH" TO CONSTRUCTION?
WHY IS A SYSTEMS APPROACH BETTER?
HOW DOES THE DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS WORK?
WHAT ARE ENGINEERED COMPONENTS?
WHAT IS A PERMANENT WOOD FOUNDATION(PWF)?
EC&D is a full service design-build, engineering, consulting and construction management firm that specializes in "super-insulated" buildings. Our primary focus is to be the "Client's Advocate". We strive to provide the most economically sound and structurally superior building systems. Our "Systems Approach" maximizes energy efficiency to provide you with the greatest amount of savings, both during the building process and long-term use.
We specialize in taking your ideas and goals and turning them into reality. You can come to us with everything from scribbles on a napkin, pictures from a magazine or ready-to-go drawings and we can assist you in completing your project. EC&D is here to serve you in whatever capacity you desire, no matter how modest or extravagant the project might be.
WHAT IS A "SYSTEMS APPROACH" TO CONSTRUCTION?
A systems approach to building is EC&D's method to construct more energy efficient, high quality structures by taking the best of the technologies available and integrating all parts into a whole system design. Design, installation and application are all essential components of building science and can be used to achieve greater productivity and efficiency. This encompasses our whole systems approach to building.
WHY IS A SYSTEMS APPROACH BETTER?
Construction productivity is important at all levels of the industry. All factors interact together to determine the productivity and efficiency of a particular project. Construction productivity and the ability to predict workflow and functionality in any given situation helps EC&D and our affiliates to produce better estimates, reduce uncertainty and plan work more accurately. Our building model, based on a systems approach to using a complete systems methodology, allows for lower prices and higher efficiencies for our clients.
HOW DOES THE DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS WORK?
EC&D insists on full accountability for architecture, engineering and construction. By knowledgeably pursuing design quality, and by effectively controlling project costs and scheduling, EC&D makes certain that concept-to-completion is streamlined into an effective strategy.
The Design-Build process offers our clients a single point of responsibility. It is the fastest, most cost-effective delivery system which allows for more innovation and more options for the owner to select.
Green building is the practice of creating healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. The many elements of green building include energy, water, materials, waste and indoor environment.
Energy: Designing and operating buildings to use energy efficiently and to use renewable sources of energy, including solar, wind, and biomass.
Water: Designing and operating buildings to use water efficiently.
Materials: Using building materials that, in comparison to competing brands, have a reduced effect on the environment throughout their life cycle (e.g. recycled content, low toxicity, energy efficiency, biodegradability, and/or durability).
Waste: Reducing the waste from construction, remodeling, and demolition.
Indoor Environment: Designing and operating buildings that are healthy for their occupants.
WHAT ARE ENGINEERED COMPONENTS?
Engineered components are design-specific products that simplify the building process. These systems are structurally superior to traditional means of construction. Use of engineered components lead to less job-site waste as well as greater efficiency and performance. This method minimizes shrinkage and/or settling and provides consistency among materials and general construction.
WHAT IS A PERMANENT WOOD FOUNDATION(PWF)?
The Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF) is an innovative building system that saves builders time and creates comfortable, warm living areas that enhance a home's value. A PWF system consists of a load bearing framing system with pressure-treated lumber and sheathing components. PWF's are suitable for crawlspace, split-entry or full-basement designs.
Builders and homeowners choose the PWF system for many good reasons, including energy savings, design flexibility, faster construction, ease of finishing and larger, more comfortable living spaces. When built with SIP foundation panels, these advantages are even greater. The PWF is always dry and comfortable and no mildews or molds can be present. An insulated wood foundation requires less energy to heat and cool, and can reduce heating costs even more. Because the materials used in a PWF are pressure treated with safe wood preservatives, their useful life expectancy is easily predicted to be in excess of 120 years.
We are centrally located in the Midwest and are structured to complete any project from coast to coast whether commercial, agricultural, industrial or residential.